Export ban for Taiwan firms a stern warning for separatist forces: Beijing

Beijing has banned the export of dual-use items to eight Taiwan-based aerospace and shipbuilding companies, including suppliers to the Taiwanese military.

The move was hailed by the mainland’s Taiwan Affairs Office as a “stern warning against repeated provocations by separatist forces” in a statement on Wednesday, after the commerce ministry’s announcement of the move.

According to the ministry, the companies, which include defence supplier Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), have been placed on an export control list, citing national security and non-proliferation concerns.

The move was intended to safeguard “national security and interests” and to fulfil “international non-proliferation obligations”, it said.

The new rules, which are effective immediately, prohibit the export to the named entities of dual-use items – a term that refers to materials, technologies or equipment that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

“All ongoing relevant exports must be stopped immediately,” the ministry said in a public notice. “In exceptional cases where exports are necessary, businesses must apply to the commerce ministry for approval.”

AIDC is a key supplier to Taiwan’s indigenous defence industry, including its fighter jet development programme.